I'm look for product recommendations for both myself and my DD. Currently we are using the DevaCurl No Poo, One Conditioner, B-Leave In, and ArcAngell. The products were working great for our hair until a couple of months ago.

Then we both starting experiencing a dry, itchy scalp. I figured my issues were caused by a new pregnancy, but that obviously isn't my 7yo's issue. When I mentioned it in passing, both my hair dresser and doctor said it's probably the change in weather and that we may need to look at using something different for spring/summer.

Anyway, here's our hair stats:

I'm a 2C/3A with medium density, normal porosity, and medium texture as best as I can tell. Along with the itchy scalp, I feel like my hair at the root is more oily.

DD is mostly 2A with some 2B on a good day. No idea on the others but her hair feels very similar to mine. She has only had the itchy scalp.

Other "issues" to consider are I'd like something more budget friendly, and we live in a very small rural town. No Whole Foods, Target, or the like. We have Wal-Mart, Dollar General, and a small Wal-greens. The salons only carry the big name commercial products and look at me like I have two heads when I asked if there are any sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and silicone-free options. Many say they've never heard of such a thing.

Grew up thinking I had straight hair that was just messy and in need of a good brushing.
Discovered my true texture and transitioned to CG in April 2009.
Now I'm a 2c/3a using the DevaCurl line, and I'm finally developing a deeper love for my hair!

Some Wal-Marts carry the "Yes to..." products. Yes to Carrots pampering conditioner is very similar to One Condition. You can use any Suave Naturals or V05 conditioners as a No Poo alternative. Many here like Suave's Tropical Coconut (has protein) and Everlasting Sunshine. If you have hard water issues, V05's Vanilla Mint Tea as ETDA to counteract mineral deposits. I also love using the Moisture Milks.

As far as gel is concerned, I have discovered that L.A. Looks Nutra Gel (green bottle) is similar in consistency to Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel. That one is hard to find on the ground, but very affordable using sites like Amazon or drugstore.com. Many people here also use the L.A. Looks Sports Gel (clear bottle, blue gel) or the Mega Mega Hold (clear bottle, yellow gel.) Herbal Essences Set Me Up gel, Aussie's Awesome Volume and Aussie's Instant freeze gels are all basically hard hold gels that can repel excess water in the air.

If you are lucky enough, some Wal-Marts even carry BioSilk Rock Hard Gelee - an HG extra hard hold gel for some S'Wavies.

If you are not looking for hard hold gel, Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching gel provides good definition. However, my waves fall rather easy with this gel.

If you are a DIYer, whole flax seeds (linseeds) can be picked up at some grocery health food stores. Boil 1/4 cup of seeds with 2 cups of water to make your own gel. I find that flax seed gel (FSG) work similar to KCCC for clumping. I still need to add a hard hold gel on top of it to get my waves to stay.

Deva curl products seem to build up on me after a few uses. I have tried a lot of products and have found that many of the less expensive brands work better for me than the more expensive ones. I really like Tresseme Naturals and the Suave Coconut conditioners as a cowash. TN is lighter and I often cleanse with that and use the richer Suave as a RO if I need to use one. And the blue LA sports gel is excellent. I much prefer it to Deva ArcAngle. Again, it's the buildup I get from the Deva products. The LA gel has great hold, dries clean, and is very inexpensive. A huge bottle costs 2 or 3 dollars. All of these products are carried in the stores you mentioned, at least in my area. These three products are my all time favorite budget products.

Wal-greens: most carry the Shea Moisture line. I really like the styling milk for a leave-in. I think it has protein but it's moisturizing. I think the shampoos are considered low poos. Your store might also carry Ecostyler Krystal which has a lot of glycerin.

Depending on where you live and what your hair likes, you might need more or less glycerin. A general rule is hair likes glycerin in dews of 40-60.

I'm look for product recommendations for both myself and my DD. Currently we are using the DevaCurl No Poo, One Conditioner, B-Leave In, and ArcAngell. The products were working great for our hair until a couple of months ago.

Then we both starting experiencing a dry, itchy scalp. I figured my issues were caused by a new pregnancy, but that obviously isn't my 7yo's issue. When I mentioned it in passing, both my hair dresser and doctor said it's probably the change in weather and that we may need to look at using something different for spring/summer.

Anyway, here's our hair stats:

I'm a 2C/3A with medium density, normal porosity, and medium texture as best as I can tell. Along with the itchy scalp, I feel like my hair at the root is more oily.

DD is mostly 2A with some 2B on a good day. No idea on the others but her hair feels very similar to mine. She has only had the itchy scalp.

Other "issues" to consider are I'd like something more budget friendly, and we live in a very small rural town. No Whole Foods, Target, or the like. We have Wal-Mart, Dollar General, and a small Wal-greens. The salons only carry the big name commercial products and look at me like I have two heads when I asked if there are any sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and silicone-free options. Many say they've never heard of such a thing.

Originally Posted by wannabewavy

Did your doctor examine you and make a diagnosis? You describe your issue as a dry AND oily scalp simultaneously, that indicates more than just xerosis (simple dry scalp) with pruritis (itching). The increased sebum production suggests to me your scalp is trying to protect itself. Several forms of dermatitis can be worsened by seasonal changes and pregnancy hormones.

And you are pregnant at present? That limits what you might be wise to use on your skin, certainly would not pick a cheap commercial line laden with fragrance, preservatives and other known irritants. The CURLS line is available at Walmart now I believe, they have a kids range and claim to be organic. Otherwise a 'base' shampoo and conditioner at pH 4.5 to 5.5 ordered online (minimal ingredients, designed for customers to add oils and fragrance if desired).

Sorry about the late reply. I've been extremely busy and had a little one come down with an ear infection this week.

Anyway, no my doctor hasn't made a diagnosis.

Yes, I am currently expecting, 4-5 months along. As far as my diet goes, I suffer extreme morning sickness throughout the duration of my pgcy. I eat as healthy as I can but a lot of what I eat is often based on whether or not it stays down. I know dehydration is always a concern for me because of this.

FireFox~I don't recall that our Walmart carries the Curls brand, but I will be sure to check the next time I go. Thank you for the recommendation.

Grew up thinking I had straight hair that was just messy and in need of a good brushing.
Discovered my true texture and transitioned to CG in April 2009.
Now I'm a 2c/3a using the DevaCurl line, and I'm finally developing a deeper love for my hair!

Sorry to hear you have hyperemesis. If you are not managing to eat oily fish you might ask your doctor to sanction a long chain omega-3 supplement, you can purchase triple strength fish body oil capsules fairly cheaply - I suggest the high strength because it's less to get down and hold down! This is beneficial for your baby's development as well as your own health.

You could get a proper diagnosis for your scalp issue whilst you are meeting with your doctor, it's unwise to self treat based on self diagnosis especially when pregnant.

I've had a lot happened since I posted last, so no official diagnosis from my doctor yet. However, I've tried some of the products listed above, and they have worked wonders! Thank you all for the recommendations.

That's right! I am getting second day hair with this! I'll try to post a pic.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

Grew up thinking I had straight hair that was just messy and in need of a good brushing.
Discovered my true texture and transitioned to CG in April 2009.
Now I'm a 2c/3a using the DevaCurl line, and I'm finally developing a deeper love for my hair!

Grew up thinking I had straight hair that was just messy and in need of a good brushing.
Discovered my true texture and transitioned to CG in April 2009.
Now I'm a 2c/3a using the DevaCurl line, and I'm finally developing a deeper love for my hair!